Earthquake with 6.7 magnitude kill 1 in southern Philippines

Friday, November 17, 2023

On Friday, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake slammed the southern Philippines, causing one fatality, scores of injuries, and structural damage. According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the quake struck off the coast of Mindanao island at a depth of 60 kilometres (37.3 miles).

Angel Dugaduga, a disaster response official in the coastal town of Glan near the epicenter, confirmed at least one fatality and 18 injuries based on initial reports. The town’s municipal office building and gymnasium sustained damage, and the tremor caused a power outage.

The Philippines, which is located on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” is prone to earthquake activity. A tsunami is not forecast, according to the Philippine seismology organisation PHIVOLCS and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

Amor Mio, the police chief of adjacent Koronadal, said there were no injuries but that officials were investigating damage to a retail complex. Due to substantial damage reported in the region, evacuations were requested for employee safety.

Teresito Bacolcol, head of PHIVOLCS, warned of the earthquake’s “destructive” force, predicting devastation. The quake lasted several seconds, and locals were warned to be on the lookout for aftershocks as severe as magnitude 6.2.

Leny Aranego, a radio broadcaster in General Santos near Glan, recalled how the earthquake rocked buildings and tables, causing broken walls and falling laptops.

RCBC economist Michael Ricafort reported on Facebook that passengers at General Santos City airport were evacuated to the tarmac. The incident shows the disruptive impact of earthquakes on infrastructure and local residents, emphasising the region’s persistent seismic danger. Authorities are still monitoring the situation and assessing the degree of damage, emphasising the significance of preparatory steps to limit the effect of such natural catastrophes.

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